Chesterfield Royal Hospital is still battling with the current outbreak of Norovirus which can be spread through contact with an infected person, through contact with surfaces or objects that are contaminated with the virus, or by eating contaminated food or water.

Please follow the advice below to help to try and stop the spread of infection.

Practice proper hand hygiene

Wash your hands carefully and thoroughly with soap and water, especially after using the toilet and changing nappies and always before eating or preparing food. If soap and water aren't available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Alcohol-based products can quickly reduce the number of germs on hands in some situations, but are not a substitute for washing with soap and water.

Take care in the kitchen

Carefully wash fruits and vegetables, and cook oysters and other shellfish thoroughly. Do not prepare or handle food for others while infected and unitl you have been symptom free for a minimum of 48 hours.

Clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces

After throwing up or having diarrhea, immediately clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces by using a bleach-based household cleaner as directed on the product label.

Wash laundry thoroughly

Immediately remove and wash clothing or linens that may be contaminated with vomit or stool. Handle soiled items carefull, to avoid spreading virus. If available, wear rubber or disposable gloves while handling soiled clothing or linens and wash your hands after handling. The items should be washed with detergent at the maximum available cycle length and then machine dried. Further do not share towels and flannels.

Avoid public places if infected

Do not visit healthcare settings or other public places if you, or someone you have been in contact with, has had diarrhoea and/or vomiting until 48 hours after symptoms have ceased. There is a real risk you could introduce the infection to the area.

Getting norovirus cannot always be avoided, but good hygiene can help to limit the virus spreading.

Information courtesy of the NHS and further information can be found on their website.